UBER · News · 20260918N

Litigation and Legal Risk

Uber Technologies, Inc · 2026-09-18 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42

A California judge ordered Uber to pay $40 million to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker, who was killed after an Uber driver abandoned her on a freeway. The ruling held Uber liable as a common carrier and rejected its defense that it was merely a technology platform. The judge also ruled that California Proposition 22 does not shield Uber from liability for driver negligence. The decision may increase Uber’s exposure to safety-related litigation and liability claims in California.

Key facts

• A retired California judge has ordered Uber to pay $40 million to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker. source
• The judge rejected Uber's defense of being merely a technology platform and ruled it liable as a common carrier. source
• The judge stated Proposition 22 does not shield Uber from liability for driver negligence. source
• Emily Normandin-Parker's parents plan to use the proceeds from the award to fund The Emily Normandin-Parker Foundation. source
• Emily Normandin-Parker was a 23-year-old UCLA graduate who was killed after an Uber driver abandoned her on a freeway during a ride home. source